Plex started as a way to stream personal video libraries to any device, and most users never push past that. The server has quietly grown into a media Swiss Army knife that handles audiobooks, music, photos, and fallback playback on older devices. MakeUseOf dug into the settings most users overlook.
Five minutes of setup unlocks a lot of latent capability.
The short version
- Plex supports audiobooks as a media library, with optional metadata agents for cover art and tags.
- DLNA server mode lets older devices stream Plex libraries through third-party players like VLC.
- Parental controls remain available for content shared via DLNA.
- Plexamp is the audio-focused companion app for music and audiobook playback.
- Settings Sync and per-user access controls round out the rest of the feature set.
How we got here
Plex's history is layered on top of itself. The original personal media server grew into a streaming platform, then added music, photos, Tidal integration, podcasts, and audiobooks. Each layer kept the user interface familiar, which made the additional features easy to miss. Many users who configured Plex once five years ago have never revisited the settings, despite the server gaining new toggles every year.
Our analysis
The audiobook support is the most underrated feature. Plex handles audiobooks the same way it handles music: a folder, a library type, automatic metadata fetching via agents like Audnexus. Out of the box, Plex doesn't remember chapter selection or playback position, so users coming from dedicated audiobook apps will need to enable "Remember playback position" in the library settings. After that, Plexamp becomes a usable audiobook player.
The DLNA fallback matters more than it sounds. Older smart TVs, audio receivers, and set-top boxes that can't run the Plex app directly can still stream libraries via DLNA. The catch is that DLNA is limited to the local network, which means it actually works when the internet is down. The trade-off is that anyone on the LAN can access the libraries, so parental controls and per-user restrictions matter more once DLNA is enabled.
Plex's broad device support is the real reason users stay. Tinkering with Kodi or Jellyfin is fine for power users, but for households with mixed device generations, Plex's compatibility list is hard to beat.
Example: setting up an audiobook library
Say you have a folder of MP3 audiobooks and want them in Plex. Create a new library, set the type to "Audiobooks," point it at the folder, and enable "Remember playback position." For metadata, install the third-party Audnexus agent via the community agents system. Plexamp now plays them across devices and remembers where you stopped.
What to watch next
Watch Plex's relationship with its hardware partners. The Plex hardware lineup, including the now-discontinued media players, set the stage for the broader app experience. The software side continues to gain features; the hardware side has narrowed.
Key takeaways
- Plex handles audiobooks, music, and photos alongside its core video library capabilities.
- Enabling DLNA gives older devices access without a Plex app, but only on the local network.
- Plexamp is the best companion app for dedicated audio playback.
Frequently asked questions
Can Plex stream audiobooks?
Yes. Create an audiobook library type, point it at your audiobook folder, and Plex will serve them like any other media.
Does Plex remember your position in an audiobook?
Not by default. Enable "Remember playback position" in the library's settings, then use Plexamp for playback.
What's DLNA used for in Plex?
It lets older devices that can't run Plex apps stream from your server via third-party players like VLC.
Can anyone on my LAN access my DLNA libraries?
Yes. Plex's DLNA server exposes libraries to the local network regardless of the user accounts configured for the main Plex apps.
Is there an audiobook metadata agent for Plex?
Yes. Audnexus is a community-built metadata agent that fetches audiobook cover art, tags, and descriptions.